SBS World News Radio

Australia's unemployment rate has climbed to its highest level since late 2021, with nearly 19,000 jobs lost and youth unemployment on the rise, raising fresh questions about the economic outlook and the path for interest rates. Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith breaks down what's driving the shift and what it means in a climate of global uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs. Meanwhile, the sharemarket surged, with the ASX 200 posting its strongest gain in six weeks, lifted by materials, banks and real estate, as Heath Moss from HLM Investments unpacks what's behind the rally and whether it can last.

Beijing looks to capitalise on rival powers following back-to-back visits from the US and Russian presidents. The Democratic Republic of the Congo struggles to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak. Plus, Donald Trump celebrates a string of Republican primary wins alongside a landmark settlement with the IRS, and we investigate the art of the perfect diplomatic gift. Hosts: Catriona Stirrat, Claudia Farhart, Ben Lewis Guests: Dr Harry Melkonian, United States Studies Centre Producers: Nick Ludlam, Ali Cheevers, Billy Dahlenburg, Greer Chester

Australia is home to the world's largest coral reef ecosystem, but conservationists say it's also the country's largest coral fishery. The sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef has been the subject of discussion among environmentalists for quite some time. Now, a group of conservationists have resorted to an unconventional method of putting the spotlight on the situation.

Australia's worst diphtheria outbreak in decades has spread across Northern Territory into Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia, with more than 230 [[as of May 21]] cases of the disease reported so far this year. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and health workers are welcoming a $7 million federal government funding package aimed at supporting the response to the outbreak. But, experts say the re-emergence of the disease exposes serious gaps in the public health system.

The New South Wales government has unveiled the state's first Migrant Workers Centre to support temporary visa holders. It means migrant workers in Sydney now have a dedicated hub to seek help over work exploitation. It's backed by $6.5 million in state funding over the next four years to provide workplace, safety and immigration support to vulnerable migrants across the state.

A Gaza-bound aid flotilla has not reached its destination. Instead, footage of activists aboard it being forced to kneel on the concrete at Israel's Ashdod port, surrounded by armed officers and taunted by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered international outrage. Among those detained, according to organisers, were 11 Australians.

The Coalition has vowed to support the small business sector as consternation grows over tax changes affecting capital gains. In his budget reply, Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson accused Labor of an attack on aspiration, and laid out the Liberal vision.

Pauline Hanson has spoken with SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson in a wide-ranging interview following the federal government's 2026/27 budget announcement.

An investigation is underway into a deadly shooting at a mosque in the US city of San Diego, which police and the FBI are treating as a hate crime. The three men who died are also being praised for their courage in drawing the attackers away from the school that was next to the place of worship.

The ASX 200 has fallen to a fresh seven-week low, on fears of rising global interest rates. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Francesco De Stradis from Ord Minnett about the market sell-off and the key drivers behind it. Plus, William Buck Tax Services Partner Todd Want breaks down the federal government's proposed tax reforms after online memes claiming the Prime Minister would “own” 47 per cent of small businesses sparked confusion and debate.Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.

A WARNING THAT THIS STORY MAY BE DISTRESSING FOR SOME LISTENERS. An alleged triple murder in south-west Sydney has prompted renewed calls for a Royal Commission into femicide. It comes amid ongoing strain on women's shelters and other frontline services, with calls for greater funding. The government has embraced the aim of ending gendered violence within a generation - but advocates say that won't be achieved without greater effort.

The World Health Organisation has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is a public health emergency of international concern. SBS' Alexandra Jones speaks to the WHO's Dr Anne Ancia, who is in Congo DR, for an insight on the situation.

US President Donald Trump's allies who believe they have been wrongly investigated and prosecuted could soon have access to a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund. The US Justice Department has made the announcement in a move to settle a lawsuit against the US Tax Office, heavily criticised by Democratic Party members as unconstitutional and corrupt.

The Australian sharemarket bounced back from a seven-week low as easing tensions in the Middle East lifted investor confidence, with the ASX200 rising 1.2 per cent. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan about why Australians remain deeply pessimistic despite a slight lift in consumer sentiment, as the Reserve Bank warns businesses are preparing further price hikes and workers push for higher wages. Plus, Michael Jenneke from UBS Global Wealth Management breaks down the day's market action, including gains for supermarkets, banks and telcos, while energy stocks slipped as oil prices eased.

Millions of volunteers across Australia are celebrating the annual National Volunteer Week this week, sharing their joy of contributing back to their own communities. The theme for the National Volunteer Week this year is 'Your Year to Volunteer', honouring the contributions of volunteers and calling for more to join volunteering.

United States President Donald Trump says he has held off on an attack on Iran that was planned for today after Gulf countries' request. But President Trump says the U-S military is still prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault on Iran if no deal is reached.

A coalition of health organisations says tobacco companies are exploiting concerns about the illicit cigarette trade to undo decades of smoking control policies and push for tax cuts. The health organisations say they are particularly concerned by reports MPs heard evidence from tobacco giant Philip Morris in secret.

The ASX200 has fallen to a seven-week low as surging oil prices and rising inflation fears rattle global markets. In this episode of SBS On the Money, Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with David Scutt from StoneX Group Inc. about the market sell-off, the impact of the Middle East crisis on energy prices, and why investors are now bracing for possible interest rate rises in the United States after inflation climbed to a three-year high. The episode also looks at sharp losses for Brambles and major miners including BHP.

The contest continues over the future of Australia's tax system following last week's Federal Budget. The Coalition has flagged its own bold policies on tax and housing, while the Treasurer is working to sell a trio of changes affecting negative gearing, capital gains and trusts. Two new opinion polls suggest his federal budget has been poorly received by voters - but Jim Chalmers has declared the long-term gains from controversial housing tax changes are worth the short-term political pain.

There are reports emerging that Israeli and US authorities are preparing to resume attacks on Iran. There are also concerns of regional neighbors being brought into the conflict, as the United Arab Emirates has reported a drone strike at a nuclear power plant.

Delta Goodrem 'stoked' with Eurovision result, as Sydney fans celebrate her dazzling Grand Final performance

One in four women in Australia faces mental health challenges. However, some are at risk when seeking help in mixed-gender hospital wards. An Australian psychiatrist is working to change that.

Who are the Australians who could be caught in the middle of housing tax reforms in the federal budget? The government says changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax are designed to improve housing affordability and level the playing field for younger generations. But some experts warn the reforms could also create unintended consequences for Australians trying to build wealth and break into the property market.

South Australia is to feature in the globally recognised Michelin Guide - the first time any Australian destination will be covered in the guide's history.

Greens leader Larissa Waters says the federal government should be setting out to build more public and affordable housing similar to the way previous governments used to build large-scale public housing estates. Senator Waters says housing affordability demands bold reform but says the federal government changes to property taxes in the Budget amounts to tinkering around the edges. SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson asked her whether the Greens will back the changes to negative gearing and capital gains.

Australia is among 10 countries - including Israel and favourite Finland - who have places in this weekend's Eurovision grand final. Chief International Correspondent Ben Lewis spoke with SBS Eurovision commentators Courtney Act and Danny Estrin about Delta Goodrem's chances in the grand final and if Australia could host the contest at the Rooty Hill RSL Club.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor says a Coalition government would remove 75,000 visa overstayers from Australia. In his budget reply, he also announced that non-citizens will be blocked from accessing 17 welfare programs. One Nation says Angus Taylor has copied its migration policy. SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson asked Mr Taylor whether he's moving further to the right to try to court One Nation voters.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor used his budget reply speech last night to outline the Coalition immigration policies, confirming that includes removing welfare payments and access to the NDIS for permanent residents. He says says the move would save billions of dollars. But Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill is describing the policy as a "dog whistle to One Nation". SBS Political Correspondent Rayane Tamer spoke to Julian Hill who rejected the Coalition's proposal that excessive migration was contributing to housing barriers.

On this episode of the SBS On the Money podcast, Stephanie Youssef speaks with Michael Page Senior Managing Director David George about the growing use of artificial intelligence in recruitment, with more job seekers and employers turning to AI to write resumes, job ads and interview questions. Plus, Ricardo Gonçalves is joined by Tribeca Investment Partners Portfolio Manager Todd Warren to unpack a volatile week on the Australian sharemarket, as profit taking in the mining sector helped drag the ASX 1.3% lower for the week.

Six passengers from a cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak have returned to Australia, after the government secured a flight for them. They will now spend three weeks in quarantine which is just short of the World Health Organization's recommended 42-day period.

US President Donald Trump says China has offered to help calm conflict between the US and Iran, after high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing that focused heavily on the war in the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz and growing fears of global economic fallout. The visit also exposed the delicate balancing act facing both powers, with Taiwan, trade and military tensions still threatening to destabilise the relationship between Washington and Beijing.

Coalition leader Angus Taylor has delivered his first budget reply, vowing to crack down on migration levels and prohibit non-citizens from accessing welfare payments. Critics say the coalition is blaming migrants for Australia's economic troubles, as Pauline Hanson's anti-immigrant One Nation accuses the opposition of copying their policies.

The ASX200 closed slightly higher after a late-session rebound, with mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto hitting fresh records while Coles fell after a landmark ACCC court ruling over misleading discount pricing. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Betashares investment strategist Hugh Lam about the day's market action and the forces driving investor sentiment. Plus, Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy responds to concerns artificial intelligence could disrupt the software-as-a-service sector, outlining how the cloud accounting company plans to navigate the next phase of the AI revolution after reporting a sharp fall in profit.

Taiwan on tenterhooks as they watch Donald Trump in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping. The Iran war enters its eleventh week with ceasefire talks faltering and leadership challenges plague the UK Prime Minister. Plus, Eurovision faces boycotts over Israel's participation and France's President, Emmanuel Macron, chides a Nairobi crowd.

US President Donald Trump has met with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Beijing, after receiving a warm welcome at the Great Wall of China. Trade tariffs and the war in the Middle East were high on the agenda.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem is representing Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest, with her song Eclipse. Eleven years on since Australia officially joined the globally-adored song contest, there are high hopes for Delta's performance. Attracting an audience of 2.2 million Australian viewers last year, all eyes will be on the star as she takes the stage in Vienna on Friday morning Australian time. SBS' Chief International Correspondent Ben Lewis sat down with Delta to chat all things Eurovision and what it means to represent her country.

The Federal Government says it's investing $1.2 billion in First Nations communities and Closing the Gap over five years as part of Tuesday's budget. Headline measures include new funding for remote jobs, community controlled health infrastructure, and programs to combat gendered violence. Despite these investments, some community leaders have told NITV they feel the budget left First Nations people behind.

SBS chief political correspondent Anna Henderson quizzes the Prime Minister about the budget, broken promises, a gas tax, and more

The ASX closed lower, after a record 10.4 per cent slump in CommBank shares wiped around $25 billion from its market value, while investors digested major Federal Budget reforms targeting negative gearing and capital gains tax.

The heart of the 2026 Eurovision song contest has begun in Vienna, with the first semi-final now in the books, and all eyes turning to the second semi-final, in which Australian Delta Goodrem will compete.

Cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are the largest source of savings in the federal budget, leaving many in the disability community angry and anxious about what's to come. The details of which participants will lose their supports, and whether state governments will fill those gaps, are still being worked out.

The government has finally filed its formal response to the gambling inquiry chaired by the late MP Peta Murphy. But their response has drawn sharp criticism from advocates, who say it was dropped the day of the federal Budget - and that it doesn't go far enough.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists he has no intention of resigning as calls grow louder within his own Labour Party for him to step down after historic losses last week in local council elections. Starmer's insistence to stay has seen some of the junior members of his government quit in protest.

Speculation was rife in the lead up to this year's budget about what it would contain for housing investors. Now we know what Treasurer Jim Chalmers has planned for the capital gains tax discount, and negative gearing regime, both of which have been blamed for favouring investors over first home buyers and inflating prices. What do the changes mean for renters and potential buyers in the housing market?

After being postponed due to the war in the Middle East, U-S President Donald Trump has now departed the US for a three-day trip to Beijing. It the first visit by a U-S president to China since 2017.

The Federal Budget has been handed down, including major tax changes that have been welcomed by unions, social services groups, and renters groups. Industry groups have raised concerns, saying the tax changes will be bad for business, as debate continues over how to balance fairness and fiscal restraint.

The federal budget for 2026 has been announced with a mixed response from different community groups. In the disability, multicultural and Indigenous sectors leaders have shared their views about this year's budget and how it will affect their communities.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered his 2026 budget, which he says takes what he's called the 'hard road of reform'. At the heart of the budget are housing tax changes, and a $35 billion saving from reform to the runaway National Disability Insurance Scheme. Labor has been keen to portray this budget as one of spending restraint, after warnings by economists and Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock that splashing out would only fuel inflation and risk further rate hikes.

Discussions on a peace deal between the United States and Iran appear to be at an impasse, and US President Donald Trump described the ceasefire between the two sides as unbelievably weak. He described Iran's response to the latest proposal from the US as a piece of garbage that he didn't finish reading. Iran says it has not made excessive demands and says the US is the one trying to impose unreasonable demands.

The ASX 200 slipped 0.5 per cent ahead of the Federal Budget as oil prices surged and investors weighed the prospect of tax reform. Banks were weaker across the board, while CSL plunged 16 per cent after cutting earnings expectations and flagging a major impairment.

United States President, Donald Trump, has called Iran's response to a proposal to end the war totally unacceptable. The US proposal sought to end fighting before starting talks on more contentious issues, including Iran's nuclear program. Iranian state TV says that country's response focused on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and on the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, without indicating how or when the vital waterway might re-open.